zmk1962 Posted April 7, 2020 Share Posted April 7, 2020 Hey Raiders, I finally had some time to sit infront of the screen so I thought I'd share my learnings in the post to save others having to do research. Two days before the Fathoms Friday trip I had a few free hours so took the opportunity to hook up the boat and top up the tank in preparation. Topped the tank up to full (250L), drove home and reversed the rig into the driveway. Walked to the back to make sure trailer was on the chocks when I smelt fuel. Not good. Looked under the hull and noticed fuel dripping our of the bung holes. Really not good ! Grabbed a fire extinguisher and mixed a strong dose of truckwash in bucket of water - then undid the boat covers and climbed into the boat. Checked the bilge well and sure enough there was fuel pooled and sitting in there. Poured some of the truckwash there to break down the fuel then started the leak diagnosis. The tank had been sitting half full for a month and there had been no leak, so it was clear the leak was somewhere in the top half of the tank. Perhaps: a) the fuel-in line, breather or fuel-out lines had perished, or b) the fuel gauge fitting gasket had failed, or b) there was a crack in the top part of the tank Long story short - I ripped up the floor to expose the fuel tank and fuel tank well. Found the top of tank was bone dry and the fuel gauge gasket was also perfect - no leak that I could see. All the fuel lines were also perfect, bone dry and no cracks. To diagnose further I really had to empty the tank to lighten it and then slide it back in the well to check the rear of the tank. So after borrowing two jerry cans and using the three I already had, and topping up my wifes and daughters cars along the way, I managed to get the boat tank some 140L lighter. Disconnected the fuel lines and slid the tank back and VOILA -- found a small pinhole in the breather tube outlet pipe. It looked like the breather pipe was sitting too snug in the hole drilled through the well side and this had corroded the ally tube. So the pin hole leak was hidden in the 3/4" rear wall of the well. So now to the repairs. First drilled out the rear wall of the well to provide much more clearance, and smeared the hole with silastic. Then cleaned up the ally tube and tank with steel wool and acetone so that I could see what I was dealing with. Gave the pipe a couple of strong pulls in all directions and confirmed the structural integrity of the pipe was still there - so there was just the pin hole to fix. Did some googling and found this wonderful product specifically designed for these types of repairs .... and the bonus is the local Auto parts stores had it in stock ! And heres the finished repair The putty sets to rock hard and bonds to metals. I've refilled the tank to full and been to Browns and back without any fuel leak issues. Fantastic product. During the repair, my neighbour was inquisitive (maybe worried with the smell of fuel in the air) and popped around to see what I was up to. He runs a farm out Lithgow way. Once he saw the product I was using his comment was well you'll never have to touch that bit again - apparently he uses it all the time for various repairs. Great vote of confidence. Sharing in case someone else needs to repair a metal fuel tank. Cheers Zoran 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kingie chaser Posted April 7, 2020 Share Posted April 7, 2020 Good catch Zoran, you wouldn't want to come across that 30km off the coast! Not sure about your definition of a pin hole though, to me that just looks like hole, I don't think it would stop if I put a pin in it 🤨😅 Thanks a heads up on that material, I use Devcon liquid steel for a metal repairs & once it hardens it is literally is like steel but not sure how exposure to fuel would affect it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zmk1962 Posted April 7, 2020 Author Share Posted April 7, 2020 Hahaha ... well I used the definition of a metal work pin... not a seamstress pin ! BTW, the Permatex fuel tank repair sticks to metal still wet with gasoline/fuel - so well worth keeping in the bag of tricks Cheers Z Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
back cruncher Posted April 7, 2020 Share Posted April 7, 2020 Hi all....zmk1962,I’m curious why you didn’t weld the hole up ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fab1 Posted April 7, 2020 Share Posted April 7, 2020 Great detective work Z.With the application of that putty you did it looks like you were good at playing with plasticine as a kid.I'm sure the Family appreciated the extra fuel in their car.250L?I don't think I've gone through that much fuel in the 9 yrs I've had my boat.Glad you're paying for it and not me.😂😂 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zmk1962 Posted April 7, 2020 Author Share Posted April 7, 2020 22 minutes ago, back cruncher said: Hi all....zmk1962,I’m curious why you didn’t weld the hole up ? Well it was such a small hole and there was a product that was made just for that repair - which meant I could do it myself DIY on the spot (5hr cure time) and still go fishing the day after. Welding would require so much more effort - drain the tank completely, remove tank from boat, probably have to fill with non volatile liquid or inert gas, then weld, then test, then drain non volatile - refit tank etc ... would be a job for a specialist. I actually started searching for tank repairers and was about to make phone calls when I came across the Permatex product. BTW, if the pipe integrity had been compromised - I would have definitely pursued the welding repair path. 13 minutes ago, Fab1 said: Great detective work Z.With the application of that putty you did it looks like you were good at playing with plasticine as a kid.I'm sure the Family appreciated the extra fuel in their car.250L?I don't think I've gone through that much fuel in the 9 yrs I've had my boat.Glad you're paying for it and not me.😂😂 Hahaha ... you are showing your age ... plasticine ... any younger ones would have said Play-doh ! Yes, yes, 250L I know. It's even worse when I have to top up the Cruiser (145L) as well. I take up two bowsers at the Servo and always make sure to politely tell folks queued up behind me -- " I'll be a while. " But the fuel bill comes with the territory - it's such an addictive pass-time and in the end we only get 80 or so laps around the sun and you can't take the green stuff with you. Cheers Z 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fab1 Posted April 7, 2020 Share Posted April 7, 2020 1 hour ago, zmk1962 said: Well it was such a small hole and there was a product that was made just for that repair - which meant I could do it myself DIY on the spot (5hr cure time) and still go fishing the day after. Welding would require so much more effort - drain the tank completely, remove tank from boat, probably have to fill with non volatile liquid or inert gas, then weld, then test, then drain non volatile - refit tank etc ... would be a job for a specialist. I actually started searching for tank repairers and was about to make phone calls when I came across the Permatex product. BTW, if the pipe integrity had been compromised - I would have definitely pursued the welding repair path. Hahaha ... you are showing your age ... plasticine ... any younger ones would have said Play-doh ! Yes, yes, 250L I know. It's even worse when I have to top up the Cruiser (145L) as well. I take up two bowsers at the Servo and always make sure to politely tell folks queued up behind me -- " I'll be a while. " But the fuel bill comes with the territory - it's such an addictive pass-time and in the end we only get 80 or so laps around the sun and you can't take the green stuff with you. Cheers Z 😂😂😂You're not wrong about not being able to take the Green stuff with you.I hope the servo has given you a VIP card and they roll out the red carpet for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kingie chaser Posted April 7, 2020 Share Posted April 7, 2020 (edited) 2 hours ago, zmk1962 said: Well it was such a small hole and there was a product that was made just for that repair - which meant I could do it myself DIY on the spot (5hr cure time) and still go fishing the day after. Welding would require so much more effort - drain the tank completely, remove tank from boat, probably have to fill with non volatile liquid or inert gas, then weld, then test, then drain non volatile - refit tank etc ... would be a job for a specialist. I actually started searching for tank repairers and was about to make phone calls when I came across the Permatex product. BTW, if the pipe integrity had been compromised - I would have definitely pursued the welding repair path. Hahaha ... you are showing your age ... plasticine ... any younger ones would have said Play-doh ! Yes, yes, 250L I know. It's even worse when I have to top up the Cruiser (145L) as well. I take up two bowsers at the Servo and always make sure to politely tell folks queued up behind me -- " I'll be a while. " But the fuel bill comes with the territory - it's such an addictive pass-time and in the end we only get 80 or so laps around the sun and you can't take the green stuff with you. Cheers Z Nothing like having a big tank while the fuel prices are the way they are at the moment!! But it sucks in the reverse! Im sure the price will go through the roof again before I get the chance to do some trips in my 4x4 😏 Your cruiser sounds like its set up to do some long outback hauls, done some off the beaten track travels with it? Edited April 7, 2020 by kingie chaser Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zmk1962 Posted April 7, 2020 Author Share Posted April 7, 2020 1 hour ago, kingie chaser said: Your cruiser sounds like its set up to do some long outback hauls, done some off the beaten track travels with it? Hi Adrian. No special mods. Just standard petrol set up ... with main tank and sub tank. ... and unfortunately no outback trips either - but thats on the bucket list ! Cheers Z 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kingie chaser Posted April 7, 2020 Share Posted April 7, 2020 22 minutes ago, zmk1962 said: Hi Adrian. No special mods. Just standard petrol set up ... with main tank and sub tank. ... and unfortunately no outback trips either - but thats on the bucket list ! Cheers Z You mean the Cruiser has a 145lt tank as standard 😲. Im still building up my Triton for the ultimate Aussie trip, unless your an ABN holder & have to take the funds out of your own pocket it takes a fair while to get all the gear you need for a trip like that. I was just getting my dual battery system ready to set up & then this Covid 19 thing hit. Now I have a lot of bits & pieces & the plan ready but have to wait now to be earning funds again before getting the rest of what I want. The 2 best money pits- Boating & 4x4ing 🤪. But when its done I know I can be anywhere (on the land anyway) & be pretty self sufficient. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zmk1962 Posted April 7, 2020 Author Share Posted April 7, 2020 42 minutes ago, kingie chaser said: You mean the Cruiser has a 145lt tank as standard 😲. I can speak for the 80 series and 100 series. Both had a 96L main tank and 45L sub or there abouts. 43 minutes ago, kingie chaser said: The 2 best money pits- Boating & 4x4ing 🤪. I'll add a 3rd ... alpine skiing ! But what fun ! Cheers Z Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kingie chaser Posted April 7, 2020 Share Posted April 7, 2020 8 minutes ago, zmk1962 said: I'll add a 3rd ... alpine skiing ! But what fun ! Cheers Z Been there, done that allover the world. Worked in the NSW ski industry for 14 years Its why I don't own my own house Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wrxhoon1 Posted April 8, 2020 Share Posted April 8, 2020 Good work on the ally tube Zoran , much easier and safer than welding. 475 lts in the boat and 143 lts diesel in the Landcruiser for me . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Welster Posted April 8, 2020 Share Posted April 8, 2020 Nice repair Zoran. Is the floor glassed in or does an access panel just unscrew? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zmk1962 Posted April 8, 2020 Author Share Posted April 8, 2020 9 hours ago, wrxhoon1 said: 475 lts in the boat and 143 lts diesel in the Landcruiser for me 475lts !!! Nearly double my boat’s capacity. Long range, lots of horses or both. Nice! What craft if you don’t me asking? Yup sounds like 97+45 in the cruiser. cheers Zoran Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zmk1962 Posted April 8, 2020 Author Share Posted April 8, 2020 2 hours ago, Welster said: Nice repair Zoran. Is the floor glassed in or does an access panel just unscrew? Floor above tank well is a carpeted panel that can be unscrewed and removed. A glassed in chamber runs down each side bow to stern. The tops of these are carpeted and form the floor on the side of the tank well. Below the tank well is another chamber that runs bow to stern. cheers Z 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmck Posted April 8, 2020 Share Posted April 8, 2020 On 4/7/2020 at 6:30 PM, kingie chaser said: The 2 best money pits- Boating & 4x4ing 🤪. They are # 2 and 3.... #1 by any calculation is ................ WIFE..... (you must be a bachelor ....................🤣 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kingie chaser Posted April 8, 2020 Share Posted April 8, 2020 2 minutes ago, dmck said: They are # 2 and 3.... #1 by any calculation is ................ WIFE..... (you must be a bachelor ....................🤣 Correct worked that one out a long long time ago 😉 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zmk1962 Posted April 8, 2020 Author Share Posted April 8, 2020 57 minutes ago, dmck said: They are # 2 and 3.... #1 by any calculation is ................ WIFE..... (you must be a bachelor ....................🤣 Well then I am either truly screwed or blessed .... as in my case I have a dear wife that is into -- boating fishing, 4x4 and skiing .... so everything has a 2x or more multiplier .... but it works for us ! 🚤🎣🚙✈️⛷️🎿 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kingie chaser Posted April 9, 2020 Share Posted April 9, 2020 17 minutes ago, zmk1962 said: Well then I am either truly screwed or blessed .... as in my case I have a dear wife that is into -- boating fishing, 4x4 and skiing .... so everything has a 2x or more multiplier .... but it works for us ! 🚤🎣🚙✈️⛷️🎿 I think your blessed mate. Most blokes take up all that stuff usually to get away from their wives 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmck Posted April 9, 2020 Share Posted April 9, 2020 (edited) 24 minutes ago, zmk1962 said: Well then I am either truly screwed or blessed .... as in my case I have a dear wife that is into -- boating fishing, 4x4 and skiing .... so everything has a 2x or more multiplier .... but it works for us ! 🚤🎣🚙✈️⛷️🎿 I too cannot complain. It was at my Darlings insistence that we have a decent boat, a holiday house on the seafront and a classic Mustang. (well... 2 Mustangs until I can sell one...) and we have done heaps of 4WD before age caught up. Edited April 9, 2020 by dmck 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wrxhoon1 Posted April 17, 2020 Share Posted April 17, 2020 On 4/9/2020 at 7:42 AM, zmk1962 said: 475lts !!! Nearly double my boat’s capacity. Long range, lots of horses or both. Nice! What craft if you don’t me asking? Yup sounds like 97+45 in the cruiser. cheers Zoran Grady White boat. Long range and 250 hp, we get 2 fishing trips out of it with plenty to spare . If used in Sydney we launch at Melrose park ( I live close to you) and go well east of Browns depending where the fish are, usually 12-14 hour days up to 180 ltrs per day. Sorry my bad LC (200 series) capacity is 138 lt 93+45 but unlike the old 100 series only one filler and no switching required . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zmk1962 Posted April 17, 2020 Author Share Posted April 17, 2020 Beautiful rig! Pod mounted like mine. Looks familiar- I have walked past one in my area! I launch from Melrose if fishing longy or Sydney reefs. Otherwise use too much fuel just getting to heads and back - still running a 2st banger. I used 135L on last trip to Browns/12mile - hmmm may be time to get the calculator out. cheers Zoran Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wrxhoon1 Posted April 19, 2020 Share Posted April 19, 2020 (edited) Do you have a Hunter or a Signature? Many moons ago I had a Signature 2250 same colour as yours white with burgundy on the top like yours. Pod mounted 200 Merc of course 2 smoke back then four strokers weren't even invented for boats. I'm in WPH valley. Edited April 19, 2020 by wrxhoon1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zmk1962 Posted April 19, 2020 Author Share Posted April 19, 2020 Haines Hunter 635L. White with red and ally pod. Ok WPH very close. I’m in Castle Hill and walk past a similar boat to yours in Glenhaven. cheers Z Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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